Laurel Burch
Ecotourists help preserve the coral reefs of Aruba
Aruba is home to some of the best natural sites and shipwreck diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. However, the island does not simply rest on its laurels. Instead, everyone from environmentalists and local government officials to visiting divers and swimmers are doing their part to preserve the pristine area underwater ecosystems. Nearly two decades ago, while Aruba's tourist industry was flourishing, marine biologists and Environmentalists began to notice changes in the ecosystems of the reefs surrounding the island sensitive. In addition to other protective measures, the island of Aruba has developed the Project Reef Care – an annual event dedicated to clean underwater sites most popular diving island. Held every summer – this year on the weekend of 04 July – Aruba Reef Care Project encourages the participation of visiting divers and promises a unique ecotourism and voluntourism, the opportunity for those who want to make a difference while enjoying underwater views of Aruba.
While Aruba relies heavily on the tourism industry, giving eager to welcome travelers, the island has an undeniable impact on the environment. However, the Aruban officials and environmentalists have recognized that the natural attractions of the island – On the island and below the surface of the Caribbean Sea – are what make this destination apart. As a result, the entire island – including government, local businesses and residents – Has come together to make environmentally conscious changes. For example, in recent years, local businesses and residents worked to implement a purification system water greatly reduces waste responsible for the island, while resorts and other businesses that occupy the coasts have increased their cleaning and preservation efforts. In addition, the Government of Aruba is working on a comprehensive plan for protecting coral reefs offshore and underwater ecosystems in the context of the proposed Marine Park Aruba.
Tourists, of course, is not much of this action, but are able to reap the rewards. However, for tourists who take pride in making a difference and treat your travel like a home away from home, the Aruba Reef Care Project offers an extraordinary opportunity. As an annual major event Care Project Aruba Reef is the complete removal of the rubble of the coral reefs surrounding the island, divers and swimmers are always welcomed with open arms by the local organizers. Those who register to participate can enjoy many of the dive sites in Aruba is the best, but often in a more intimate travel experience traditional scuba diving. The organizers have reported that less waste and is removed from the coral reefs as a result of volunteer efforts, despite the fact that More diving and snorkeling tours to visit the sites each year. Participants can also take pride in knowing that the program has impacted the entire culture of Aruba, in the Local schools now offer classes on environmental protection and accountability.
The annual reef cleanup undertaken by the Care Project Aruba Reefs also offers one of the best opportunities of the Caribbean experience in ecotourism – a term developed to highlight environmentally friendly travel opportunities Responsible – And voluntourism – an emerging niche tourism that promotes volunteer work with sightseeing. The program already has received extensive coverage throughout the Caribbean and Latin America for its efforts while the international news and travel organizations have begun to cover both the positive environmental impact and the unique opportunity of tourism. Several programs such as the Aruba Reef Care Project is being developed in the Caribbean and elsewhere, but few offer an outstanding combination of recreational, tourism and services.
Now is a good time to join more than 800 local and visiting divers and swimmers to help preserve some of the most precious underwater world. In addition to the pride that comes with making a difference in the world, volunteers are always left with a sense of wonder at finding some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the Caribbean.
About the Author
Justin Burch writes articles about
travel in Aruba
for the Marriott Resorts.
Where I can buy Laurel Burch scarves (in a store, not online) in Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
Steinmart has them. I have one of there last week. ~ ~ LIS
